Chicken Fricassee
Chicken Fricassee Recipe - A Delicious Norwegian Dish Perfect for Special Occasions
Introduction
Chicken Fricassee is a classic French dish that features tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with a hint of curry and orange. This comforting and flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.
History
The origins of Chicken Fricassee can be traced back to France, where it was a popular dish among the aristocracy in the 18th century. The term "fricassee" refers to a cooking technique that involves browning meat, then simmering it in a sauce. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and been adapted to include various ingredients and flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 stewing hen, approximately 1.5 kg (3 lb)
- lightly salted water
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- salt
- 1 tsp ground white pepper
- 2 tsp curry powder
- grated rind of 1 orange
- 200 ml whipping cream
- 1 small bunch parsley, chopped
How to prepare
- Poach the hen in salted water for approximately 90 minutes.
- Allow it to cool.
- Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt the butter and stir in the flour.
- Gradually add the cooking liquid.
- Season with salt, pepper, curry powder, and orange rind.
- Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the cream and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Stir in the parsley.
- Serve the chicken in the sauce with boiled potatoes, peas, carrot cubes, and cauliflower.
Variations
- Add mushrooms or leeks to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
- Substitute chicken breast or thighs for the stewing hen for a quicker cooking time.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to poach the chicken until it is tender and fully cooked before cutting it into pieces.
- Be sure to gradually add the cooking liquid to the butter and flour mixture to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or curry powder as needed.
- Garnish the dish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Fricassee with boiled potatoes, peas, carrot cubes, and cauliflower for a complete and satisfying meal.
Cooking Techniques
Poaching the chicken ensures that it stays moist and tender.
- Making a roux with butter and flour helps thicken the sauce and adds richness to the dish.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian version.
- Substitute cornstarch for flour to make the dish gluten-free.
Make Ahead Tips
Chicken Fricassee can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish Chicken Fricassee with fresh parsley and orange zest for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Chicken Fricassee with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of Chicken Fricassee in the refrigerator and reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Chicken Fricassee contains approximately 400 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Chicken Fricassee contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Chicken Fricassee contains approximately 20 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Chicken Fricassee contains approximately 30 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Chicken Fricassee is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and calcium.
Alergens
Chicken Fricassee contains dairy (butter, cream) and gluten (flour).
Summary
Chicken Fricassee is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Summary
Chicken Fricassee is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful seasonings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, with a talent for creating delicious meals out of simple ingredients.
One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I came across a faded, yellowed card with the words "Chicken Fricassee" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe, and she smiled and told me it was one of her favorites.
She began to tell me the story of how she learned to make Chicken Fricassee. It was a recipe she had picked up from a French friend many years ago, when she was just a young bride. The friend had come over for dinner one evening and had brought a pot of this delicious dish with her. My grandmother had been smitten with the flavors and had begged her friend for the recipe.
The friend had been happy to oblige, and had patiently walked my grandmother through the steps of making the dish. My grandmother had taken notes, making sure to write down every detail. She had then spent hours in the kitchen, perfecting the recipe until it was just right.
As my grandmother shared this story with me, I could see the twinkle of nostalgia in her eyes. She told me how she had made Chicken Fricassee for my grandfather on their first wedding anniversary, and how he had declared it the best meal he had ever eaten. From that day on, it had become a staple in their household, a dish that they would often enjoy on special occasions.
Inspired by my grandmother's story, I asked her to teach me how to make Chicken Fricassee. She was more than happy to pass on her knowledge to me, and we spent the afternoon in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, browning chicken, and simmering the dish until it was rich and flavorful.
As we sat down to enjoy our meal that evening, I knew that I had found a new favorite recipe. The flavors were complex and satisfying, the chicken tender and juicy. I could see why my grandmother had fallen in love with this dish all those years ago.
Since that day, Chicken Fricassee has become a beloved recipe in my own household. I have made it for my own children, passing on the tradition of this delicious dish to the next generation. And every time I make it, I can't help but think of my grandmother and the love and care she put into teaching me how to make it.
So whenever I pull out that old, yellowed recipe card and begin to gather the ingredients for Chicken Fricassee, I can't help but feel a sense of connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who have come before me, sharing their knowledge and love through the simple act of cooking. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of this comforting dish, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.
Categories
| Chicken Recipes | Curry Recipes | Heavy Cream Recipes | Norwegian Meat Dishes | Norwegian Recipes | Orange Peel Recipes |